New Pew Survey Report Highlights What Public Wants from Their Libraries

Planning your programming and new services for your public library with a sharp eye on the needs and concerns of your local community? Take a look at the latest Pew Research Center survey report, Libraries at the Crossroads, which highlights what people say they want to see from their library.

In particular, the latest report notes that many Americans want libraries to reach out and engage more with their community, to:

support local education

serve special constituents such as veterans, active-duty military personnel and immigrants

help local businesses, job seekers and those upgrading their work skills

Americans also want libraries to embrace new technologies such as 3-D printers and provide services to help patrons learn about high-tech gadgetry. The majority of those surveyed also noted that closing a library would have a major impact on their community.